Amanda S
Instruments: Piano, Clarinet, Keyboard
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Salsa, Showtunes, Swing, Bossa Nova, Marching Band
Amanda S
Instruments: Piano, Clarinet, Keyboard
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Salsa, Showtunes, Swing, Bossa Nova, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-25
MS, Stevenson University, Forensic Science with Chemistry Concentration; BS, Stevenson University, Chemistry; Former Student and Performer, Maryland Conservatory of Music, Piano & Bassoon; Basic Life Support (CPR and AED) Certification, American Heart Association
-Pianist, North Harford High School Jazz Band -First Chair Clarinet, North Harford High School Marching Band and Symphonic Band -First Chair Bassoon, North Harford High School Orchestra -First Chair Clarinet, Harford Christian School Band -First Chair Clarinet Bass Clarinet, Harford Christian School Band -Performance experience in hospitals, nursing homes, funerals, baseball games, recitals, and competitions
I am a passionate instructor with a love for music and learning. I began playing piano when I was 3 years old, and I have since added the B flat clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone to my collection. I have held the first chair clarinet and bassoon positions in multiple school bands for over 8 years, and I have performed piano in various venues including hospitals, nursing homes, funerals, baseball games, recitals, and competitions. Even though I studied Chemistry and Forensic Science in college and graduate school, I continued to balance my life by playing and sharing music. As an aspiring physician, I plan to use and recommend music in my clinical practice to promote mental focus, stress management, and a positive overall wellbeing.
My teaching experience began about 10 years ago when I taught private piano lessons to a family friend. My student shared his positive experience with his friends and his family was impressed by how well he responded to weekly lessons. I gained several more students over the years and started teaching private clarinet lessons as well. While the majority of my teaching experience has been with students between 3 and 15 years of age, I am able to adjust my communication and teaching style to students of any age and experience level. My goal in teaching music is to allow others to appreciate and benefit from the positive outcomes of dedication, hard work, and intellectual stimulation.
For beginning students, I typically utilize Alfred's Basic Lesson Books to introduce basic theory and concepts. These books incorporate fill-in-the-blank and performance-based assessments to ensure understanding. I also create customized flashcards, worksheets, and games to provide fun and interactive opportunities for individualized learning. As students advance, I assign scales and Hanon finger exercises to strengthen finger strength and skill. While I advocate learning classics from composers like Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart, I also encourage students to pick popular music that they want to learn. If students express interest in performing, I can create opportunities at local hospitals, nursing homes, and other venues.
I like to incorporate weekly and monthly goals into my lesson plans, and I focus on accomplishments rather than shortcomings. I often offer incentives for younger students to encourage regular practice. I provide constructive feedback after every lesson and encourage questions as I feel reciprocated communication opens opportunities for learning. I want my students to enjoy and look forward to lessons, so I adjust my teaching style based on each unique student's personality, learning style, and ability.
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